How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to find that the water isn’t draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine, it also makes it more difficult to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they can also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is there’s a lot of ways that you can unblock a shower drain without using harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes as well as the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to get rid of the blockage in a shower for example, vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For the method of baking soda and vinegar: gather items, clean the drain cover and other debris, pour baking soda and vinegar. Allow 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method: straighten out wire hanger leaving the other end in its original form Make a hook at the top, and then place it in the drain to fish hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method select the "wet" mode then cover the drains of overflow by a cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal, then turn it on for 3 minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower, and running hot water after every use and refraining from pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Making a cake with baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
To begin take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Get rid of the shower drain cover If you can, and then use an e-brush or small toothbrush to remove the hairs or any other obstruction around the drain’s edges. Make sure you wear rubber gloves in the event of need.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Place one teaspoon of baking soda into the drainage followed by one cup of white vinegar. Cover this drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture works its magic. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling, which means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain using Boiling Water
Remove the cover carefully and flush it out with hot water. This should help clear any remaining debris and allow your water to flow smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you require is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger to the greatest extent as you can while leaving one end in its original shape.
Step 2: Create a Hook
Make a hook that is small at the top of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Go fishing for hair and Debris
Place the hook in the drain and look to look for hair and debris. Pull out anything that comes up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you own dry or wet vacuums it could be for you:
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum on "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Cover drains that are overflowing with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Then, turn on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should help remove any obstructions from your shower drain.
| Method | Supplies Needed | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Baking soda, white vinegar, boiling water, rubber gloves (optional), cloth or rag | 1. Gather supplies\n2. Prepare the drain\n3. Pour in baking soda and vinegar\n4. Wait for 30 minutes\n5. Flush with boiling water |
| Wire Hanger | Wire hanger | 1. Straighten it out\n2. Create a hook\n3. Fish for hair and debris |
| Wet/Dry Vacuum | Wet/dry vacuum, duct tape or wet cloth | 1. Set the vacuum to "liquids" or "wet" mode\n2. Cover overflow drain \n3. Attach hose to drain \n4. Turn on vacuum |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I know if my shower drains are clogged?
If your shower takes longer than usual to empty or if you notice that water is collecting on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain might be completely or partially blocked. A sour smell coming from the shower area could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. You could also make a mixture of baking soda and salt and boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger can also aid.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners unblock my shower drain?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners because they are laden with harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pipes in the long run. These chemicals can also harm the environment and pose health risk to those who use them incorrectly.
When should I call a professional plumber about my blocked shower drain?
If the DIY method doesn’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s recommended to speak with a professional plumbing company like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers in Sydney for help. Other signs that you need professional help are the water coming out of the toilet or other drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or smells that are foul out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much does it cost to get a clogged shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The price of repairing an unblocking shower drain could vary depending on the severity of the issue and the location you live. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber to remove the drain of a shower. However, more severe cases that require pipe repairs or replacements could cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be a hassle however there are numerous ways to tackle the problem without turning to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose vinegar and baking soda, a wire hanger, or a wet/dry vacuum be sure to prevent future blockages by using a hair strainer in your shower, running hot water after every use, and avoid the practice of pouring grease into your drains. If these strategies don’t perform, it could be time to call in professional help. If you’re struggling with a difficult or persistent plumbing issues in Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers today!
Additional Information
- Effortlessly unclog your drain with this simple solution
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- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- Clogged Shower Drain? Learn Methods to Fix it with The subsequent Comprehensive Manual
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Unclog Your Drains: Speedy Tricks to Try Out Right Now
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumber Tips & Solutions
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
